The announcement was made this morning by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.
The 2022 Community Support Fund was launched in November 2022 with funding of €10 million available. The key theme of the fund is to support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their energy bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities. The Community Support Fund is a once off fund provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from the Local Authority, in each area.
Announcing the successful projects for Co. Waterford today, Minister Humphreys said: “I am delighted to announce almost €306,000 in funding for 181 local projects across County Waterford today as part of my Department’s Community Support Fund. Through ‘Our Rural Future’, I want to support locally led, ground-up projects in local communities across the country. This funding is all about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs with their energy costs, whether it’s the electricity bill, insurance costs or other overheads.”
“While these grants are small in nature, they can make a big difference by allowing local community organisations to carry out much needed works in their area.”
Minister Humphreys added “I fully appreciate the fantastic work carried out by volunteers in communities across the country whether it’s the local Parish Hall Committee, the Development Association or the local Senior Citizens Group. These local committees work hard to make sure they can keep the lights on and run fantastic local services and events for young and old to enjoy.”
“I would like to thank Waterford County Council and Local Community Development Committee for their assistance in administering this fund.”
The announcement has also been welcomed by Waterford Green TD Marc O’Cathasaigh and Fine Gael Senator John Cummins.
Speaking after the announcement, Deputy Ó Cathasasigh said:
“I am pleased to announce that €306,000 has been allocated to 181 projects throughout Waterford city and county through the Community Support Fund and I thank my party colleague Minister Joe O’Brien for including funding for so many key Waterford organisations.”
“Under the 'Our Rural Future' initiative, my aim is to support locally driven projects in communities throughout the city and county and this funding will have an impact on the running costs of 181 of our local organisations. The aim of this scheme is to assist local groups and clubs with their energy-related expenses, insurance costs, and other overheads as well as enabling them to carry out essential works on their buildings. It is our intention to provide a helping hand to these groups, allowing them to continue their important work within our communities.”
“We see funding for scout groups, residents associations, sports groups, disability groups, community centres, mens’ sheds, nature groups and women’s groups to name a few. These small groups and organisations form the backbone of our communities throughout Waterford and it is important to give them the support they need to continue their valuable work.”
Senator Cummins said: “I want to thank my colleague Minister Heather Humphreys for her continued commitment to community based projects across Waterford City and County. I know this funding will be put to really good use by all of the successful applicants. I’ve been delighted to work with so many of them over the last number of years to advance projects and secure funding across a whole host of streams. Today’s announcement is further evidence of government supporting the exceptional work being done on the ground by so many voluntary organisations which are the lifeblood of communities across the county.”
A list of county allocations can be found online.
